Powder Monkey Group has completed another acquisition as it continues to broaden its footprint across the UK brewing sector. The latest deal strengthens Powder Monkey Group expansion in the North East of England following earlier regional investment.
The Gosport-headquartered group has acquired County Durham-based Maxim Brewery. The move follows its purchase of Castle Eden Brewery earlier in the year, which is also located in the North East, and further consolidates the group’s presence in the region.
As a result of the acquisition, Powder Monkey Group now owns five established brands across the UK, with physical operations spanning the South, the Midlands and the North East. The group also owns breweries in Australia and supplies beer into markets including Hong Kong and Gibraltar, underlining the international dimension of Powder Monkey Group expansion.
Maxim Brewery was founded following the closure of Vaux Breweries in 1999. Speaking following the deal, Mark Anderson of Maxim reflected on the business’s history and future. “Maxim Brewery was formed following the closure of Vaux Breweries in 1999.”
He added: “We are proud to have been brewing and serving our customers North-East favourite beers Double Maxim, Samson, Lambtons, Swedish Blonde and other seasonals from our Houghton Le Spring brewery since 2006.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Anderson said: “We are delighted to be joining the Powder Monkey Group, and this will ensure that our well-loved brands continue to be brewed in the North-East for many years to come and would like to thank all our suppliers and customers for their support over the last 25 years.”
Powder Monkey Group chief executive Andy Burdon said the acquisition aligns with the group’s strategy. “We’re proud to have added the Maxim Brewery and established brands to the Powder Monkey Portfolio. It has a fiercely loyal customer base, and we will continue in this tradition. Hailing from the North East I am all too familiar with the strength of Maxim’s brands.”
The Maxim deal is part of a wider period of activity for the business. During 2025, Powder Monkey Group acquired six additional breweries as it accelerated its growth strategy.
Looking ahead, the group plans to expand its international production capacity. In 2026, Powder Monkey Group is set to open a new brewing facility in the inner western suburbs of Sydney, continuing the momentum behind Powder Monkey Group expansion.
